There may not have been any matches recently, but during the close season the clubs' finances have been audited, and the transfer window has been open. Between them, the clubs have been involved in 167 transfers, including 55 from the Player Pool, from where some players will be joining the league for the first time, while others will be returning.

52 transfers have taken place to equip the squads of four new clubs, with Redburn and Tarka Vale joining the former Conference clubs in the 'new' Division Three, while Dorleston and Old Holmsley will be taking part in the F A Cup as non-league clubs.

On the transfer front, Bullford have been the busiest club, with nine of their players leaving and being replaced following their surprise relegation. At the other end of the scale, Eastroke United have done no deals, retaining exactly the same squad for the new season.

Perhaps some of our more interesting new players, who are being welcomed as an appreciation of the League's successful (we think) switch to 'flats', are eleven players who were playing in the Football League in 1947, along with eleven more, from slightly later, who also played before the Continental sets were introduced in the early sixties. All these players may be new to the league, but we are fairly confident that each one will have displayed his skills, back in the day, on the baize, or possibly even on the ex-army blanket.

It is realised that the new players will not be familiar to most of our readers, and we think it may be better to introduce them briefly and in turn, as they play in a featured match.

There will be four new players in our Charity Shield match between Aberdither United and Iveley Park. All have been brought in from the player pool, but only one is new to the league.

The possibly best known player first; Aberdither have signed Peter Reid, although he is unlikely to play from the start of the season. It is Aberdither's policy to remain loyal to a winning team, so those who played during their successful run to win the League, will be given first opportunity this time.
Just for additional information, Graham Stuart and Trevor Steven have left the club, joining Mill Athletic and Blackridge Town respectively. We look forward to find out how each settles into his new surroundings.

Iveley Park have signed three new players. They found themselves left without a goalkeeper when Blackridge came calling for Tim Howard. Iveley agreed to do a deal on the condition they made a small profit after buying a replacement. They then brought in Martin Hodge for this season.
Their other signings were both at fullback. On the left side Alessandro Pistone has been signed, but their right back will be much less known, as he is one of our 'vintage' players. George Robertson began his Football League career in 1951, and went on to play 382 matches, mainly at right back. He became a popular player for his consistent and reliable performances. He will be unlikely to be mentioned for any spectacular overlapping runs, but he will almost certainly be playing in his expected position, trying to win the ball and distribute it intelligently.

Aberdither had slightly the better of the early exchanges, although for much of the opening quarter, both sides appeared to be sparring. The first attacking move which brought a keeper into play occurred after twenty minutes, when Aberdither played the ball, through Harris and Barry, out of defence and out to Kilbane on the left. After cutting inside and exchanging passes with Dobson, Kilbane's shot went just past the post.

A few minutes later, Harris and Dobson again combined down the left, but debutant Robertson broke up the move and cleared upfield. Robertson's next clearance found Mackie on the right wing, but his cross, intended for Pickering, was cut out and cleared by Labone.

Smith then did the same job for Iveley at the other end, as he prevented Husband from taking the ball past him, which would have put the Aberdither player clear on goal.

Mackie and Pickering then combined down the right for Iveley, but the latter's shot was half blocked by Hurst, and the ball trickled through to Southall.

Late in the half, from Hurst's clearance, Aberdither played a sweeping crossfield move, from Stevens to Royle to Kilbane. They were denied a spectacular goal when Kilbane's shot went only just wide.

Following the careful beginning from both teams, the match certainly livened up as the half had progressed. This increased tempo continued from the restart, with two incidents late on proving crucial to the result.

Royle had the first shot of the half, from Labone's pass, after the defender had brought the ball out of defence himself. Royle's shot was blocked by Provan. The same defender saved his side again, a few minutes later, when he intercepted Husband's short pass intended for Royle, which would have put the number nine through on goal.

At the other end, Ively were awarded a direct free kick for handball against Dobson. Arteta played a short pass to Phillips, whose shot, from quite wide, was tipped away by Southall. Van den Hauwe retrieved the ball from near the corner flag, took it forward, then played a long crossfield pass to Steven, who played it across the front of the area for Brian Harris, the player considered most likely to eventually make way for Peter Reid, to slot the ball home.

A few minutes later, it was Aberdither's turn to find themselves awarded a direct free kick for handball, this time against Provan. Husband played another short pass across the front of the penalty area, only for Dobson to shoot wide, with what must be called a bad miss.

Iveley weren't giving up, and Mackie twice went close from through passes, as they opted for the more direct route. Following his second shot, Southall's goal kick deflected off of of his central defenders, straight to Pickering. A tap forward, followed by a hammered shot, and Iveley had equalised in the final minute.

It was another very late, result changing goal from Pickering, which he seemed to achieve so often during last season's cup run, including in the Final itself.

Apart from the result, Aberdither won't be too disappointed with how they have started the season, whilst Iveley will have the confidence to know that they can match a good Division One side in their play. All they need to do now is produce the results in what is likely to be a competitive Division Two.

Overall it was a good start to the season, from two good footballing teams.

Next time: We're off to take an early look at two lesser featured Division One teams, with Highwood Athletic v Hodwell. We think Hodwell, despite their limited budget, may have made the best use of the transfer window. We may find out, and we hope you will be able to join us.

We begin our coverage of the League season with a match between two of the lesser heralded Division One clubs, who will be hoping to raise their profile in 09.

Is is considered that Hodwell, even on their limited budget, have made excellent use of the transfer window, with the purchases of Andy Hinchcliffe, from Bullford, and, from the Player Pool, introducing Ross Barkley to the League. It is hoped that these two will provide more attacking prowess on their left side. They have also bringing Graham Coughlan, who had several seasons at Bullford, back into this division from Hinton United.

Ironically, the man Coughlan has replaced in Hodwell's defence, plays against them in this game. Lindsay Smith is a commanding centre back who played in the 1984 run to the Cup semi-final (as did team mate Leigh Cooper). Other new faces at Highwood are Bill Shortt, who played 354 matches as goalkeeper, starting in 1945, and also played 15 times for Wales. their other new player is Peter Anderson, a two-footed winger who can play down either side, who made 259 appearances, starting in 1953. He is not playing in this game, as Highwood keep faith with the formation which was successful in maintaining their survival in this Division during the latter part of last season.

Hodwell had the better of the early play, although nothing got through to their new keeper. It was Highwood who almost produced the first goal threat, but Kemp was penalised for a shove on Coughlan. A few minutes later, Comyn brought the ball out of defence and played a long pass to Kemp, who flicked the ball on for Machin, whose longshot was just off target. Highwood threatened again a few minutes later, when Megson and Smith didn't appear to be on the same wavelength whilst trying to pass the ball out from the back, resulting in it finding Tynan, whose instant first time shot went only just wide.

The game was becoming end-to-end, and Bickle's attempt to nod the ball down to Kemp was intercepted by Coughlan who, either by good fortune or judgement, was in the perfect position to intercept and clear.

With five minutes of the first half remaining, Hodwell took the lead. There appeared to be nothing on for either side as the ball was played too far down the left, finishing near to the corner flag. Highwood right back Poole got to it first, but, under pressure, his intended long clearance deflected to Mccarthy who hammered the ball home, before the keeper could move.

The second half started with Highwood making a series of attacking moves, but Hodwell's defence looked solid and coped well. As so often happens, it was Hodwell who produced the next shot, when McCarthy received a through pass from Williams, and his shot was well saved by Shortt. Almost immediately, Williams was involved in the action at the other end when he intercepted Machin's pass, intended for Cooper, which would have put the wing back clear down the left, and running towards goal.

As the game entered its closing minutes, Highwood began to apply more pressure, but two long passes out of defence by Timar almost put the game beyond them. The first one, intended for Tynan, was overhit and rolled harmlessly through to Shortt. The second was better weighted and found Tynan, whose shot went agonisingly close.

With the final whistle expected at any moment, Highwood mounted one final attack, with a passing move involving Poole, Saunders and Hore, whose pass found Kemp, whose late strike rescued a point for the home side.

While Hodwell will obviously be disappointed with the manner of the result, a draw was probably a fair result, from what became a flowing and tense game.

Next time; We're off to see the other newly promoted side, when Mill Athletic visit Eastroke United, who were, or were made to, look out of sorts at Greyston in their first match. We hope you will be able to join us.

Mill Athletic are one of the clubs who have not been successful in Division One, when they have come up against the better organised teams. For this season, they have brought in three new players whom they hope will rectify this. Craig Short has returned to the club, and is expected to help tighten the defence. Former Eastroke player Graham Stuart is expected to add extra creativity to midfield, and the least known new recruit is Pat Jones, a pacey and efficient left back who made 441 league appearances after starting his career in 1946.

Eastroke, on the other hand, have decided to keep faith in their squad from last season, with no arrivals or departures.

The game goot off to a lively start, with the visitors having more of the early chances. Following an early attack, Naysmith miskicked his clearance, with the ball going to Ebanks-Blake who,from a difficult angle, shot just wide. Further chances followed, with a passing move across the midfield reaching Rogers, whose shot from the left was saved by West. Another poor clearance again found its way to Ebanks-Blake, but this time Watson was able to get across and block his shot. With the game still in its first quarter, Athletic had another chance when Hayles' flick on was run onto by Stuart, but again the shot was just off target.

With the lively ene-to-end play continuing, Eastroke looked to have created a fine chance for themselves when Ball's short pass appeared to be going perfectly into Lukaku's path, but Hill was able to make an important interception.

Five minutes from half-time, Athletic took a deserved lead when Jones brought the ball out of defence, and was possibly allowed too much space by Eastroke, as he got well forward before putting over a good cross for Ebanks-Blake, from close in on goal, to shoot home.

Early in the second half, Eastroke produced the best passing move of the game so far, from which Ball shot narrowly wide. Immediately following this, Dunne's goal kick went to Adams, whose long through pass was run onto by Hayles, and he made no mistake to put Athletic two goals in front.

Eastroke's reply was almost immediate, when Brown's pass out from defence went to Sheedy, who, took full advantage of the lack of any markers near him by taking the ball forward down the inside left channel, before scoring a fine solo goal.

There followed a period of play where Eastroke had more of the possession and territory, but not too many scoring chances, although Jones made an important tackle which prevented Nevin from getting clear on goal and Sheedy got the better of Hill's challenge before chancing his luck from a fairly wide angle, but the shot hit the side netting.

With eight minutes remaining, another crossfield move by Athletic, which involved Adams, Stuart and out to Rogers, whose accurate shot, from the left, restored Athletic's two goal lead.

In the closing minutes, Hill again rescued Athletic with another interception, this time preventing Sheedy's short pass from reaching Lukaku, before Sheedy scored his second goal when Temple's left wing cross was flicked onto him by Ball, although, with so little time remaining, this did little more than give an air of respectability to the final score.

Our reporting team certainly struck lucky with this game, which was one of the best they have attended. Eastroke, however, will probably not see it that way, as they will be concerned about the number of chances their opponents, in both games so far, have produced.

Next time: You may have noticed the interesting result in Division Three, where new boys Redburn had a big away win at Crickten Junction. By coincidence, their next match is at home to Peakville, who also have won both their matches so far, but by the rather different score of 1-0 each time.
So we have decided to feature, for the first time, a match from this newly formed Division, where we are off to see the two early season pace setters. So we hope you will look forward to finding out something about the lower echelons of this League in our next featured match.

Peakville made the better start, and had the first chance when Miller's pass out of defence was played further forward by McShane to Austin, who couldn't quite turn sharply enough to get his shot on target. They went close again when Austin played the ball out to Reed, on the right, but his shot hit the side netting.

Brought into the club, and selected, as a tough-tackling wing half, Tony McShane had started this match as an inadvertent playmaker, with two of his early passes being taken up by the forwards and leading to scoring chances.

Much of the early play was down Peakville right, with a couple of crosses from Reed being cut out by Peddelty, with the strikers ready to pounce.

Redburn's first attack came after half an hour, when Reeves' through pass was overhit and went harmlessly out for a goal kick. Their next attack went closer, when Billy's pass down the right put Cowan-Hall through on goal, but his shot went agonisingly beyond the far post.

The first half remained goalless, but had become more even as the home side gradually got more into the game, and they had the first opportunity after the break, when Kirby and Thomas exchanged passes, before the winger's shot went harmlessly across goal and out for a goal kick. a few minutes later, Cowan-Hall ran infield and chased a long pass, but was adjudged to have fouled Phillipson-Masters whilst setting up his shot.

Peddelty remained busy in defence for Redburn, and he rescued them when, as the last defender, he got the better of Austin and cleared the danger. At the other end, Kirby and Stewart exchanged passes, but a shot could be taken, McShane did the good work in the area where he more usually operates, and saved his side with an important tackle.

Reed then went close for Peakville, after Leadbitter had got the better of Smith in midfield and played a good pass down the right.

Although both teams were attack minded, and used the entire field, there were many tackles due to much close man-marking in all areas.

Ten minutes from time, Reed's corner from the right, into the crowded goal area, was deflected off a defender, with the ball going straight to Ramsbottom on his line. No doubt the keeper was grateful.

Five minutes later, Thomas' pass into the area appeared to be handled by Billy. The referee was in no doubt, and Miller took the responsibility and Peakville achieved their third 1-0 win of the season.

In the little time remaining, Cowan-Hall couldn't quite chase down a long pass, and this turned out to be Reddburn's final opportunity to take anything from this match.

It hadn't been the most skilful of games, but it was always flowing, open and competitive, and a good advert for Division Three.

Not too many introductions required here. Melchester have brought in Adrian Heath, to play alongside Alex Young, while Blackridge now have Trevor Steven playing on their right, and Tim Howard in goal.

The first attacking move which led to a scoring chance came from Melchester after ten minutes, when Osman passed the ball up to Heath, then ran onto the return short pass, but his shot went narrowly wide. In response, Gravesen's pass to his left was met by Halmosi, but his long range shot was also just off target.

After twenty minutes, Melchester took the lead when Unsworth's long pass out of defence found Heath, who exchanged passes with Pienaar on the left, before firing the ball home.

In their next attack, from a accurate pass upfield, Heath and Young played a one-two just outside the penalty area, but Distin got across and rescued Blackridge as Heath hesitated before getting in his shot. This time it was Distin who took the ball out of defence before playing an accurate through pass to Gray, and it was Lyons who got across to rescue his team as the striker took just a little time to try and "tee up" his shot.

As half time approached, Melchester's forwards and midfield men passed the ball fluently around their opponents' half, until Kendall spotted Heath unmarked, passed him the ball, and the new recruit scored his second goal of the game.

Blackridge produced some early pressure in the second half, after Melchester had failed to clear the ball accurately out of defence,, and eventually Gravesen passed to his left, where Distin, having joined the attack, tried a shot from long range, which went for a goal kick. Melchester, though, were beginning to look really good, and a brisk passing move, from Kendall to Bingham then onto Heath, ended with Howard making a fine save to prevent the hat trick.

Blackridge were also playing their part in this match, which had opened out as they tried to get back into it, and Lyons had to be alert to intercept Steven's short pass from the right, intended for Gray. At the other end, a Blackridge clearance, played left and intended for Halmosi, was intercepted by Bingham, whose first time shot went only just wide.

Steven was providing several crosses from the right, intended for his strikers, but Harper, Unsworth and Lyons were all on form and few of these passes reached a Blackridge man, and when any did, a defender was always in the right position to receive any nod downs or flicks.

The final action of the match was a flowing Melchester move down the right, and Howard was required to make another good save, this time to deny Bingham.

There is a feeling within the League that when Melchester get their flowing attacking game working well, they are capable of beating anyone. At present, from the evidence of this match, they are not only playing really well, but, when necessary, the ball is also rolling for them.
It's still very early days, but they could be about to have their best season for a long time.

Next time: We thought you might enjoy reading about a friendly little local encounter, so we're off to Mill Town v Mill Athletic. With both teams playing well and scoring goals so far this season, we hope we can bring you an early Christmas cracker, and that you will be able to join us.

Before we report on the action, there are two new Mill Town players who you may wish to know something about. Bill Strauss, (143 matches, 1946-53), was a left winger who liked to move across and help out in the centre. He should be a perfect fit at Mill Town, whose front line of three is spread (thinly) across the full width of the pitch. Sam McCrory (51 apps. 1952-55) was an inside forward, "whose skill and intelligence made up for his lack of pace".

After a fairly even "sparring" beginning, Andy Rogers, put through by Stuart's pass, cut inside from the left and had the first shot, which went just wide. Athletic continued to look the more dangerous in attack, and after 16 mins, Barry Hayles shot, from David Phillips' through pass, was turned around the post by Larrieu. From the resulting corner, Stuart escaped from his markers and nipped in with a shot of his own, which was also saved by the Town keeper.

For a while during the first half, Town had difficulty getting the ball out of defence, and when they did it soon returned due to Athletic's more direct play. One such long ball from left back Pat Jones into a crowded penalty area, led to something of a scramble before Town finally cleared to safety.

The home side's first attempt on goal came after almost half an hour's play, when Wright-Phillips passed to Dave Corbett on the right, and the winger's shot was saved by Dunne, as it went across the front of the goal, possibly going just wide.

The game then became more even, with both defences in charge, as the first half ended goalless. This pattern of play continued after the interval, with only one threat on goal,when Richard Reynolds' run was abruptly ended with a well timed tackle and clearance from Keith Hill.

Midway through the half the deadlock was finally broken when Stuart took the ball down the inside left channel before playing an accurate pass through to Hayles, who slotted it past Larrieu.

This goal was followed by the liveliest period of the match, as Town went for an equaliser. The closest they came was when Reynolds flicked Friio's long pass on to McCrory, whose shot went just beyond Dunne's right post. Generally, though, Athletics back five, and Steve Adams, playing in front of them, remained very solid and dealt with almost everything the hosts threw at them.

Town's attacking play, of course, left them slightly undermanned at the back, and when Athletic countered, Rogers' cross from the left found Ebanks-Blake, whose shot was well saved by Larrieu.

With five minutes remaining, another Town attack broke down when Adams, who the ball seemed to follow throughout the game, intercepted an intended Reynolds through pass, and passed forward to Hayles, who scored his, and Athletic's second, with a solo run and shot, which began just inside Town's half.

So the first derby between these two for three seasons, deservedly went the way of the promoted side. There may not have been as much goalmouth action as may have been hoped for, but it had been a good game, and was always competitive.

So with Melchester Rovers also losing, Mill Athletic find themselves top of the League. Division Two is very tight, while in Division Three, Peakville have set a strong early pace with five straight wins, which we believe is a record.

Next time: We are visiting Division Two for the first time this season, where ambitious and big-spending Blundell City, who have not made a good start, host Reiver Forest, who, from much more modest resources, so nearly achieved promotion last season. We hope you will be able to join us.

On paper this would have been a no contest, but we all know where football matches are not played. Ambitious Blundell City have made a disappointing start to the season, while Reiver, with much more modest financial resources, have spent rather less on their new recruits, all of whom are still playing in the EFL or, in one case, Belgium.

Oscar Threlkeld, playing in a defensive midfield role, alongside Russell Coughlin, set up several early opportunities with long passes down the middle. After six minutes, such a pass was flicked on by Coughlin towards Griffiths, but Ablett was well positioned to make a last-ditch interception. five minutes later, another long pass was flicked on by gurrieri to Griffiths, who fired the ball home, putting his side ahead.

The succession of long passes continued, with Griffiths going close twice more, and it was the latter stages of the first half before City threatened the goal themselves, when Ebbrell's pass, intended for Barnes, was comfortably cut out by Nelson, who cleared the danger.

On the half-hour, a pass down the left from McGlinchey found Rogers, who cut inside, intending to shoot, but Ablett was again well placed in the home defence to prevent any shot. On the stroke of half time, Griffiths received another long pass, and his shot produced a good save from Barron.

After all their struggles in the first half, City wasted no time in getting going in the second when, within a minute, Barnes played a crossfield pass which Bolasie ran onto at top speed down the right and struck the ball perfectly, giving new keeper McCormick no chance.

For several minutes after this goal it was all City, and Reiver were not helped when Nelson had to leave the field for treatment following an injury. While he was off the field, McGlinchey did well to block a powerful shot from Barnes. Generally, though, Reiver decided that attack was the best form of defence, and Alessandra and Griffiths both went close with speculative efforts.

Morrissey then was played clear down the left, but as he cut inside, Rounsevell stopped him abruptly in his tracks. From similar move at the other end Rogers did manage to get in his shot, but the ball went just beyond the far post.

As the game entered its closing stages, Morrissey was again well stopped by Rounsevell, who played the ball to Threlkeld, whose long pass down the middle was played to his right by Griffiths, into the path of Alessandra, whose first time shot gave Barron no chance, and won the match for Reiver.

It had been an action-packed game with Reiver the deserved winners, although the second half had been more even.

So Reiver Forest march on, continuing to buck this season's trends, where most of the long passing sides are not doing so well, as neither are teams who play with a traditional target man leading the attack. While it works for them, why change it?

Next time: There will be no specific game planned to be featured, but as was the practice until the 1950s, there will be at least one match played on Christmas Day. The selection will be purely random, as is the playing order in every round of league matches this season. So we hope the multi- sided selector dice rolls kindly for us, and will provide at cracker of a match on Christmas afternoon.